ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Memorandum of Agreement signed between Indian Ports Association and RIS for setting up Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity
Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Indian Ports Association  and Research & Information System for Developing Countries  for setting up a Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity in the presence of the Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. Various other dignitaries were also present during the function including senior officials from MoPSW, RIS and IPA.
Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary  complimented the IPA and RIS teams for the effort put in for setting up the centre. He stated that the proposed project of Transhipment Port at Galathea bay at Greater Nicobar in Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be the future which will be advantageous for the BIMSTEC Nations. Therefore the GatiShakti initiative of the Prime Minister will go beyond the shores of India where the neighbouring Countries ports can also derive benefits.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal stated that “under the leadership of our Prime Minister people are witnessing great changes particularly in the infrastructure and policy areas. The whole world is now looking towards India for its leadership in almost all the sectors. The Minister also expressed his opinion that “RIS should also offer their expertise in Policy Formulations, so that policy decisions can be implemented by the Government in line with the visions of our visionary Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi ji”.
Ministry of Defence
Setting Up of a New Sainik School in Karnataka
A reference was received from State Government of Karnataka for setting up of a Sainik School in Shivamogga district of Karnataka. In response to the reference reply was sent informing that there is no plan under consideration to open more Sainik Schools other than the ones operational in the State of Karnataka, under the ambit of existing scheme of things.
Government is proposing to bring a new scheme for setting up Sainik Schools in the country in partnership with NGOs/Private Schools/State etc. The endeavor is to provide schooling opportunities in ‘CBSE Plus’ type of educational environment by involving desirous Government/Private Schools/NGOs to partner in establishing/aligning their system with Sainik Schools ethos, value system and national pride. It envisages enrolling existing/upcoming schools to be run to the line of Sainik Schools curriculum. The schools are proposed to be affiliated to Sainik Schools Society. Detailed guidelines and requisite approvals are at an advance stage.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri KC Ramamurthy in Rajya Sabha today.
ABB/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy
(
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah condoles the passing away of Shri Rakesh Jhunjhunwala
Shri Amit Shah says Shri Jhunjhunwala’s vast experience and understanding of the stock market inspired countless investors
He will always be remembered for his bullish outlook
The Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah has condoled the passing away of Shri Rakesh Jhunjhunwala.
In his condolence message on Twitter, Shri Amit Shah said, “Anguished to learn about the passing away of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Ji. His vast experience and understanding of the stock market have inspired countless investors. He will always be remembered for his bullish outlook. My deepest condolences to his family. Om Shanti Shanti.”
NW/RK/AY/RR
(Visitor Counter : 853
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Shri Nitin Gadkari urges MSMEs and Industries to plant and maintain trees along highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Road Transport & Highways, has written to all industry associations and registered MSMEs, urging them to plant as many trees as they can before the end of the monsoon season. Calling upon their collective commitment to the country, Shri Gadkari has suggested in his letter that each small enterprise can plant and maintain a minimum of 5 tress, each medium enterprise at least 50 trees and micro enterprises can plant and maintain as many trees as possible for them. The trees should be of local variety, indigenous to the area like fruit trees, neem, peepal etc. They can be planted along national or state highways and district roads. Each individual enterprise should ensure that the plants survive and grow.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID19 Vaccination-Day 83
More than 9.40 Cr COVID19 vaccine doses administered
34.73 lakh vaccine doses given till 8 pm today
The cumulative number of COVID19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 9.40 Crore today.
A total of 9,40,96,689 vaccine doses have been given, as per the provisional report till 8 pm today.
These include 89,74,122 Healthcare Workers  who have taken the 1st dose and 54,48,206 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 98,09,525 Frontline Workers  , 45,41,636 FLWs , 2,59,55,762 for over 45 years old to 59 years old , 5,20,339 for over 45 years old to 59 years old , 3,74,95,435 for above 60 years  and 13,51,664 for above 60 years  .
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|
HCWs
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|
FLWs
|
|
Age Group 45-60 years
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|
Above 60
Years
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|
Total Achievement
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
89,74,122
|
|
54,48,206
|
|
98,09,525
|
|
45,41,636
|
|
2,59,55,762
|
|
5,20,339
|
|
3,74,95,435
|
|
13,51,664
|
|
8,22,34,844
|
|
1,18,61,845
Total 34,73,083 vaccine doses were given till 8 pm today, the Eighty Third day of nationwide COVID19 vaccination. Out of which 30,81,621 beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and 3,91,462 beneficiaries received 2nd dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight.
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Date: 8th April 2021 
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HCWs
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FLWs
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Age Group 45-60 years
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Above 60
Years
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Total Achievement
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
5,427
|
|
27,989
|
|
40,885
|
|
1,24,488
|
|
20,29,313
|
|
48,482
|
|
10,05,996
|
|
1,90,503
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|
30,81,621
|
|
3,91,462
Ministry of Railways
Hon’ble President of India awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Officers and Staff of RPF/ RPSF
On the occasion of Independence Day 2019, the Hon’ble President of India has awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to the following Railway Protection Force /Railway Protection Special Force  officers and staff.
President’s Police Medal  for Distinguished Service
- Shri T. S. Gopakumar, Assistant Security Commissioner, Southern Railway
Police Medal  for Meritorious Service
- Shri Jyoti Kumar Satija, DIG/ JJR RPF Academy, Lucknow
- Shri Sanjay Kumar Gupta, Assistant Security Commissioner, North Western Railway
- Shri Anil Kumar Singh, Assistant Commandant, 2 BN/ RPSF
- Shri N. Ashwini Kumar, Vigilance Officer , IRCTC
- Shri Indu Prakash Singh, Assistant Security Commissioner, RDSO
- Shri Devi Singh Meena, Assistant Sub-Inspector, North Western Railway
- Shri Basappa Lamani, Inspector, 11 BN/ RPSF
- Shri Vikas Bajaj, Sub-Inspector, 6 BN/ RPSF
- Shri Chandra Prakash Dubey, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Northern Railway
- Shri Rambabu Sharma, Sub-Inspector, KRCL
- Shri Parbat K. Madam, Sub-Inspector, KRCL
- Shri Narayan Prasad Pandey, Sub-Inspector, South-East Central Railway
- Shri Ajoy Bandyopadhyay, Sub-Inspector, South-East Central Railway
- Shri Biswadip Bose, Sub-Inspector, South-East Central Railway
- Shri Ramkumar Yadav, Sub-Inspector, Central Railway
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Promulgation of an Ordinance for Amendment to the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approvedpromulgation of an Ordinance to amend the definition of "person", as defined in sub-section  of section 2 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005  to include a trust, to enable the setting up of a unit in a Special Economic Zone by a trust, as also to provide flexibility to the Central Government to include in this definition of a person, any entity that the Central Government may notify from time to time.
Impact:
The present provision of the SEZs Act, 2005 do not permit 'trusts' to set up units in SEZs. The amendment will enable a trust to be considered for grant of permission to set up a unit in SEZs. The amendment will also provide flexibility to the Central Government to include in this definition of a person, any entity that the Central Government may notify from time to time. This will facilitate investments in Special Economic Zones.
Prime Minister's Office
PM lauds the efforts of Ankur, a resident of Ban Village of Kurukshetra Haryana toward Water conservation
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has praised the efforts of Ankur, a resident of Ban Village of Kurukshetra Haryana toward Water conservation.
Responding to the tweet by Kurukshetra MP, Shri Nayab Saini, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“बेहतरीन पहल! जल संरक्षण की दिशा में कुरुक्षेत्र के हमारे अंकुर जी का यह प्रयास हर किसी के लिए एक मिसाल है।”
Ministry of Coal
Domestic Production & Import of thermal Coal
Most of the requirement of coal in the country is met through indigenous production. The focus of the Government is on increasing domestic production of coal and eliminate non-essential import of coal in the country. In the year 2021-22, coal production increased by 8.67% over the previous year. During the current year till February, 2023, domestic coal production has increased by over 15% compared to the same period of last year. The domestic coal production is estimated to increase to more than 1BT in 2023-24.
The details of domestic production of thermal coal and import of thermal coal with value during the last five years are given below :-
|
|

|
|
Year
|
|
Domestic Production of
|
|
Import of thermal Coal
|
|
Thermal Coal
|
|
Qty
|
|
Value
|
|
2017-18
|
|
635.25
|
|
161.25
|
|
789543.41
|
|
2018-19
|
|
687.59
|
|
183.51
|
|
988707.26
|
|
2019-20
|
|
677.94
|
|
196.7
|
|
914652.23
|
|
2020-21
|
|
671.3
|
|
164.05
|
|
706688.44
|
|
2021-22
|
|
726.49
|
|
151.77
|
|
1257459.99
Government has initiated several steps to ramp up domestic coal production in the country in order to achieve self-reliance. Some of the major initiatives undertaken include Single Window Clearance, amendment of Mines and Minerals  Act, 1957 to allow captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual production after meeting the requirement of the end use plants, production through MDO mode, increasing use of mass production technologies, new projects and expansion of existing projects, and auction of coal blocks to private companies/PSUs. 100% Foreign Direct Investment has also been allowed for commercial mining.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
DRDO successfully test fires Enhanced Pinaka Rocket
Continuing the development of Artillery Rocket Systems, Defence Research and Development Organisation  successfully test fired extended range version of indigenously developed Pinaka rocket from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher  on 24th and 25th June 2021 at Integrated Test Range , Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
Twenty-five Enhanced Pinaka Rockets were launched in quick succession against targets at different ranges. All the mission objectives were met during the launches. The enhanced range version of Pinaka Rocket System can destroy targets at distances up to 45 kms.
All the flight articles were tracked by Range instruments including Telemetry, Radar and Electro Optical Tracking System deployed by ITR & Proof and Experimental Establishment .
The rocket system has been developed jointly by Pune based Armament Research and Development Establishment  and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory  with manufacturing support from M/s Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur. The development of Enhanced Pinaka system was taken up to achieve longer range performance.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO and the Industry on the successful launch of Enhanced Pinaka Rockets. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy commended the efforts of the teams involved in the successful trials.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy/ADA
(Visitor Counter : 9986
Cabinet
Cabinet approves revised MoU and Mode of Operation between India and Bangladesh for establishing Border Haats on India-Bangladesh Border
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Revised Memorandum of Understanding  and Mode of Operation  between India and Bangladesh for establishing Border Haats on India-Bangladesh Border.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
62.84 LMT of palm oil imported from June 2021 to 14th March 2022
Centre extended free import of Refined Palm Oils upto 31.12.2022
The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Government vide notification No. 46/2015-2020 dated 20th December 2021 has extended the free import of Refined Palm Oils under ITC HS 15119010, 15119020 and 15119090 for a period up to 31.12.2022. It was also informed that 62.84 LMT of palm oil was imported from June 2021 to 14th March 2022.
In order to improve the domestic availability and to keep prices of edible oils under control, the Government has allowed import of edible oils under Open General Licence .
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Giant Rock Bee Honey, a Unique Variant of Honey Sourced From Malayali Tribes of Tamil Nadu Added to Tribes India Collection
More than 35 new, attractive, immunity-boosting tribal products have found a new home in Tribes India outlets and website in the 8th edition of “From Our Home to your Home”’ campaign. The campaign had been launched 8 weeks back by TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs in order to source as many effective, natural, and attractive products from diverse indigenous tribes across the country so that these can reach a wide variety of audience.
Key among the products this week are the natural, fresh, organic produce from the Malayali tribes of Tamil Nadu, such as Giant Rock Bee Honey, honey, variants of millet rice, tamarind and black pepper. Malayali is a tribal group from the Eastern Ghats in North Tamil Nadu. With a population of around 3,58,000 people they are the largest Scheduled tribes in that region. The tribals are usually hill farmers and they cultivate different types of millet.
Among the other products sourced include vibrant and eye-catching micro-beaded jewelry  from the Patelia tribe from Madhya Pradesh. While agriculture is their mainstay, their handiwork is exceptional too as can be gauged from the beautiful, colourful pieces made by the artisans of Jhabua. Otherproducts include organic varieties of dals and spices locally sourced from the Vasava tribes of Gujarat and an assortment of produce – such as honey, jams and two unique variants of rice from the Kharwar and Oraon tribes of Jharkhand and some interesting wooden products  and attractive metal jalis from the AdimJanjati tribes and Lohra tribes of Jharkhand.
All new products introduced over the past weeks are available in 125 Tribes India outlets, Tribes India mobile vans and on online platforms such as the Tribes India E-marketplace  and e-tailers. The recently launched Tribes India e-marketplace, India’s largest handicraft and organic products marketplace which aims to connect5 lakh tribal enterprises to national and international markets; showcases tribal produce and handicrafts, making them accessible to customers across the country.
With a variety of natural and sustainable produce and products, the Tribes India e-marketplace offers a glimpse into the age-old traditions of our tribal brethren. Do check out market.tribesindia.com. Buy Local Buy Tribal!
Ministry of Home Affairs
Parliament passes the Muslim Women  Bill 2019
Muslim women freed from the curse of the regressive practice of Triple Talaq today: Shri Amit Shah
Parliament today passed the Muslim Women  Bill 2019.
Expressing satisfaction over this landmark moment, Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling his commitment and ensuring that a law is made to ban Triple Talaq.
The Home Minister also congratulated Muslim women by saying, “On the passage of this Bill, I congratulate the Muslim sisters across the country on getting rid of the Triple Talaq curse. This act will free Muslim women from the curse of this regressive practice”
Shri Shah said that the Modi government is dedicated to protecting women's rights and ensuring their empowerment. This bill is a historic step to protect the dignity of Muslim women and keep it intact. It will bring a new era of hope and respect in the lives of Muslim women. From now on, the door to unlimited possibilities will open for Muslim women and they would now be able to play an effective role in the creation of 'New India'.
“Today is a great day for India’s democracy. I thank all parties who supported this historic bill”, Shri Shah said while thanking all the members of Parliament.
Ministry of Finance
DRI detects 72 hidden packets weighing 39.5 kg of suspected narcotic substance Heroin in Operation “Gear Box”
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  along with ATS, Gujarat, detect 72 hidden packets weighing 39.5 kg of powder in bags, suspected to be narcotic substance, in a container from Dubai.
Acting on intelligence jointly developed by DRI and ATS Gujarat, operation ‘Gear Box’ was launched. A container was examined by DRI at Kolkata port, West Bengal, in the presence of officers of ATS, Gujarat. The said container from Jebel Ali, Dubai, having gross weight of 9,300 kg was declared to contain Heavy melting Scrap. Bill of Entry was not filed for this container and the goods were found to be Metallic Scrap and machine parts like Gear Boxes.
During detailed examination, i.e. dismantling of gear boxes and other metallic scrap, 72 packets having a total weight of 39.5 kg of powder in bags, suspected to be narcotic substance, has been recovered so far. The narcotic substance on testing by field test kits confirmed the presence of heroin. Further the detailed Examination is being continued.
It appears that the drug syndicate has used this unique modus operandi to conceal Heroin. The gears from the old and used gearboxes were removed after opening them and the plastic packets containing the narcotic substances were placed in the created cavity and the gearboxes were then refitted to avoid detection. These packets were shipped concealing inside the metal scrap along with other metal scraps so that it would go unnoticed by the authorities. Examination and seizure proceedings by DRI under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 are continuing.
It is to highlight that drug syndicate are using novel modus operandi everytime. In a case earlier detected wherein 75 kg Heroin was recovered, it was found that the threads weighing 395 kg, were soaked in a solution containing narcotic drug – heroin which were then dried, made into bales and packed in bags, to avoid detection.
Further detailed investigation is on in the present case.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Photo exhibition begins on the theme of "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav", IG Gurpreet Singh Bhullar inaugurates the exhibition
Discipline paves the way for success - Bhullar
Four day photo exhibition is being organized at Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College
Students participate in Essay writing, Painting, Rangoli and Quiz competitions
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India is organizing programs on the theme of "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" at various places across the country. In this series, a four-day exhibition is being organized at Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Shri Anandpur Sahib, which was inaugurated by Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, IG, Punjab Police. Several well-known personalities were present on this occasion.
While inaugurating the photo exhibition, IG Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that it is very important to tell the new generation about their legacy and sacrifices, in which, such programmes play an important role. He emphasised that nowadays, there is a great need for the people to imbibe discipline in their lives, which ultimately, paves the way for success.
Speaking on the occasion, Gurmeet Singh, FPO, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said that following the clarion call of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the Ministry is organizing photo exhibitions and other events on the theme "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" across the nation. He said that the series of programs which started in the month of March in the year 2021 will end with a journey of 75 weeks.
Addressing on the occasion, College Principal Jasvir Singh said that the exhibition organized by the Central Bureau of Communications is proving to be a source of inspiration for people. While addressing from the podium, he said that the college has received large-scale grants from the Government of India from time to time under various schemes.
Appreciating this initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, people said that such programs should continue in future also so that the young generation can be connected to their heritage. It is noteworthy that apart from the Photo exhibition, the ministry also organized Essay, Painting, Rangoli and Quiz competitions for the students, for which, students were very excited. Students participating in various competitions will be honored on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the performances of various artists entertained the people a lot. The performances by Ibaldat Ali Group, Lokai Kala Kendra and Magician Jagdev were well appreciated by the audience.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 192.43 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 19.91 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
1,92,43,47,405
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
19,91,99,925
More than 192.43 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than19.91 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.